Sea Lice Resistance

CANADA - Concerns have been raised that sea lice on salmon farms may be becoming resistant to SLICE - the prescribed treatment used on British Columbia (BC) salmon farms.

While there have been some problems with drug resistance in the Atlantic Ocean, research tells us that the species of sea lice in the Pacific Ocean are a different variety and are being treated successfully by SLICE, says the BC Salmon Farmers Association .

Dr Sonja Saksida with the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (CAHS) has recently submitted a new research paper on the topic to the Journal of Fish Diseases for peer review.

“After looking at five years of sea lice treatment data from BC salmon farming sites, we see no signs of resistance,” said Dr Saksida.

To further ensure that remains the case, CAHS will begin further testing on resistance in April this year.

5m Editor

It is vital that fish farm operatives who are responsible for farmed fish are trained in their health and
welfare. This will help to ensure that fish are free from disease and suffering whilst at the same time
promote good productivity and comply with legislation.